Shaker Heights · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Shaker Heights public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Animal control and kenneling services
A two-year contract with A&S Animal Control covers stray dogs, dead deer, wildlife complaints, and dog-bite coordination with police. It's the only company that bid, but residents reportedly like the service.
2026–2031 Animal Control RFP
The city is putting out a request for proposals for animal control services through 2031. This shapes how residents get help with animal issues for years to come.
Police vehicle upfitting contract
After years of problems with other vendors, police will use Fallsway Equipment as their sole cruiser upfitter for two years, about $25,000 per car for roughly 10 vehicles.
Police Oversight
An independent investigation cleared the Shaker Heights police chief of most misconduct claims, helping put a messy department drama to rest. It's a big relief for local leadership, but it definitely leaves some residents wondering about true police accountability.
SEIU organizers cited at Bellefaire JCB picket
Two union organizers said police cited them for disturbing the peace at their final Bellefaire JCB picket without warning, and asked whether the city is protecting workers or corporate interests. Council members pointed them to the formal complaint process.
Elevator issues affecting tenants with disabilities
The board was scheduled to discuss how elevator problems impact tenants with disabilities. Reliable elevators are essential for residents with mobility limitations to access their homes. No record of the discussion or any action is available.
Fall fair housing training
The board was scheduled to report on past and future education and outreach, including possible landlord trainings and tenant-focused sessions.
Police Lateral Eligibility List changes
The commission was asked to consider removing certain candidates from the lateral entry eligibility list used to hire experienced officers.
Senior Well Call program
The City is building a volunteer program making daily wellness phone calls to isolated seniors, partnering with Meals on Wheels, the library, Parks and Rec, and EMS data to find those who need help.
Bulk item pickup program
Residents will soon be able to schedule free backyard pickup of up to three large items like furniture and appliances. The pilot runs August 1 through October 31, 2026; from 2027, two free pickups per year with $150 for extras, plus quarterly Service Center drop-offs.
Firefighter Health and Safety — Gear Cleaning Equipment
The fire department's 30-year-old washers and dryers for turnout gear are near the end of their life. Gear washed promptly removes carcinogens that would otherwise be reabsorbed through firefighters' skin. A FEMA grant would cover 90% of the $75,000 replacement cost.
Firefighter Annual Medical Examinations
Firefighters will now get comprehensive annual medical exams — including mental health assessments — through Cleveland Clinic AtWork, catching health problems before they become career-ending.
Replacement of two totaled police cruisers
Two police cruisers were totaled in 2025 through no fault of the city; insurance paid about $102,000. Council moved that money into the capital budget to buy replacements.
Police Misconduct Lawsuit
Shaker Heights is facing a high-stakes police misconduct lawsuit that ropes in the police chief. It's a messy situation for city leadership that could lead to some serious accountability questions.
Police Conduct Investigation
Local news has uncovered on-duty videos taken by a Shaker Heights police officer, raising serious questions about how well the department is being run and whether anyone is watching the watchers. This could lead to a major shake-up in how the city holds its police force accountable.
Lawsuit Against Police Chief
Shaker Heights is facing a major headache after a new lawsuit was filed against the police chief, which is raising serious red flags about city leadership and potential fallout. This could lead to some messy public drama and shake things up at city hall.